Hunters Small Pool Transformation: Thanks to the Environment Agency and Aquatic Solutions
Project Brief: East Bank Works and Small Pool Dredging
From: Wednesday 11th to Friday 13th June
We’re thrilled to share the latest milestone in Windmill Angling Club’s ongoing efforts to restore and improve our water: the, further, successful dredging of our Small Pool and the construction of a brand-new East Bank – all made possible through the Angling Improvement Fund from the Environment Agency and the expertise of the brilliant team at Aquatic Solutions.
What they achieved in 2 days was transformational, to say the least!
Aquatic Solutions returned to Hunters Pool with a clear brief:
- Construct a Nicospan-reinforced wall along the East Bank to create a secure edge.
- Dredge the Small Pool, improving depth and water quality.
- Backfill behind the new Nicospan wall using the dredged silt – recycling waste material and improving the bank in the process.
- Build a silt trap where the stream currently flows into Hunters Pool, using another Nicospan wall, to contain the sandy runoff from surrounding fields.
Innovative Thinking from Aquatic Solutions
On arrival, however, the Aquatic Solutions team proposed an even smarter and more sustainable solution to the silt problem.
Rather than continue to maintain the full length of the stream that runs along the east side of the Small Pool, they suggested a purpose-built “sump” – a collection area dug at the point where the stream enters our land (near the rear of the car park). This sump allows heavier sandy silt to settle before cleaner water is then fed into the Small Pool.
Benefits of the new approach:
- Silt naturally collects in the sump, reducing spread into the pool.
- No need for annual digger hire – easy access for future maintenance.
- The old stream channel can be backfilled and reclaimed, creating:
- A wider East Bank for anglers.
- Additional parking space for members and visitors.
Celebrating Aquatic Solutions’ Expertise
Once again, Aquatic Solutions exceeded our expectations – not just in terms of physical works, but in the depth of thought and care they bring to every project. Their flexibility, environmental awareness, and commitment to delivering lasting results make them a key partner in the ongoing enhancement of our club’s waters. They also helped in relocating several of our aquatic plant life and, dredged as much of the small pool, even when the bank was constructed and the resultant silt had to be deposited elsewhere – that’s real, great, customer service.
To find out more about the great work they do around the country, visit their website: www.aquatic-solutions.co.uk, or contact the office at: 01788 810614, or speak to Ben, who offered great help and assistance right from the get-go
Ben’s Mobile: 07368 895479
E-mail: ben@aquatic-solutions.co.uk
A Big Thank You
Our sincere thanks go to the Environment Agency for their continued funding support, and to Aquatic Solutions for helping us deliver yet another major improvement to Hunters Pool.
These works directly benefit both the angling experience and the long-term health of our water, and we’re proud to share the progress with all our members and their guests.